E&S at Columbia River Gorge

E&S kept their elopement wonderfully small. Just the two of them, their officiant, their dog in a green bow tie, and me. We had low clouds, moss-covered rocks, and the Columbia River disappearing into the mist. It felt like there was truly no-one else in the world but them and their love. Pretty hard to ask for a better setting.

The Columbia River Gorge is one of my favorite places to photograph elopements in Oregon. Within a relatively short drive, you can go from dense forests and waterfalls to open landscapes, dramatic overlooks, and quiet spots along the river. And each season brings something completely different.

The trick is finding a location that's not only beautiful in photographs but actually works for your ceremony. I help couples explore their options, find vendors, work out a timeline with the best light in mind, and come up with a backup plan if the weather isn't cooperating.

A couple sitting close to each other outdoors with a small dog on the woman's lap, surrounded by green plants and flowers.
A couple hugging outdoors on a rocky, grassy area with a small dog, surrounded by trees and mountains under an overcast sky.
Side-by-side portraits of a woman with blonde hair styled in a loose braid and a man with long brown hair wearing a brown hat, both outdoors with blurred natural background.
A man and woman sharing an intimate moment outdoors, facing each other closely with the woman gently holding the man's face. The background features a moss-covered landscape and rocky terrain, suggesting a natural, rural setting.
A man and woman exchanging rings in a forested area with large rocks, moss-covered cliffs, and tall evergreen trees.
A couple sharing a kiss outdoors in a natural setting with green moss and rocks, one wearing a hat and glasses, the other with blonde hair.
A small wedding ceremony taking place outdoors near a lake with a misty mountain backdrop. Three women, one holding a bouquet, the other with a paper, and a man with a dog, are participating in the ceremony. One woman holds an umbrella over the other
A woman in a black dress holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling, talking to a couple outdoors on a cloudy day, with trees and rocks in the background.
Man with long hair, glasses, and a hat shaking hands with woman holding flowers outdoors, with lake and trees in the background.
A dog with a brindle coat and a green bow tie standing between two people's legs on grass outdoors; another person holding hands with someone in a wedding or formal event, with a bouquet of flowers in the background.
A woman in black clothing holding a bouquet of flowers stands between a man in a brown hat and jacket and a woman with a black hat, with a third woman reading from a paper in an outdoor setting with trees and fog in the background.
A wedding ceremony outdoors near a lake, with a bride holding a bouquet of flowers, and a man in a hat and suit exchanging rings in front of a woman reading vows.
A woman and a man holding hands during a wedding ceremony outdoors near a body of water, with an officiant in the background holding a bouquet.
Couple embracing outdoors by a lake with mountains in the background, with a dog nearby; foggy mountain landscape with dense trees and mist.
A couple stands closely together on rocks near a lake, with trees and mountains in the background on a cloudy day.
A smiling young couple holding hands and walking outdoors, black and white photo.
A couple sitting on rocks by a river, embracing each other, with a dog in the woman's lap, surrounded by a natural landscape of trees and mountains in the background.
A couple kissing outdoors near trees and mountains, with a dog on a leash. The woman wears a black dress, and the man wears a coat and fedora. The scene is misty and scenic.

A little note about this particular location: The spot where E&S married is no longer accessible to the public. But don't let that discourage you! I have plenty of other beautiful places in my back pocket, and I'd be happy to help you find one that feels right for your day.

If you're considering a Columbia River Gorge elopement, even if you haven't figured out where to start, get in touch. We can figure out the location and the details together.